The March 11, 2014 Smyth County Board of Supervisors meeting began with the normal procedures; the meeting was called to order with the Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. Then the paying of the regular monthly bills of the county (payment of invoices) and Citizens Time. There were 9 spokes persons who spoke on the issue of the Closing of the Bridge entering the Hall Addition from the Adwolfe end, as well as several people form the Hall Addition area in a support role of the same concerns. It was good to see citizens at the meeting. There were also tow other speakers, one who represents the Citizens of Sugar Grove in the venture to obtain wide-band and/or cell service to the Sugar Grove area and the request of another asking that warning signs be put up at trail heads to let hikers know there is NO cell service on the trails. There was also a request to approach the general assembly to ask for exemptions from many unfunded mandates. We then moved on to New Business: *The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) was present at the meeting with three representatives to help answer questions about the bridge closure. It was determined via (VDOT) routine inspection of the bridge that it was structurally unsound. Over the years the bridge had been downgraded and was down to three tons capacity before closure, according to (VDOT) representatives. The bridge is out of service for safety reasons and (VDOT) did say they were looking into working with the Rail Road to install a new bridge, but this could take several years to complete. With this, (VDOT) took notes of all the safety issues and stated they would look into other temporary options and the costs involved with that until the bridge can be replaced. *Smyth County has been certified through the National Weather Service as a Storm Ready County and was recognized as such by the National Weather Service. Charlie Harrington (EMS) Director was present to accept the award from the National Weather Service. I asked if we could get storm/weather watcher training from the National Weather Service here in Smyth County and was told they would set up a training coarse in Smyth County. [Please let me know if you would be interested in taking this class, it is free and takes a few hours] *We received a presentation from the Virginia Tech Office of Economic Development on Workforce Skills Gap between past and present workforce needs and the future needs as technology increasingly moves in the areas that need additional training to keep up with technology Nation wide and World wide.We have not received all the details, but this is something to be debated at a future date. Some very extensive questions will have to be worked through such as funding, who will fund this and how much difference it could make in the future job market of Smyth County at several levels from manufacturing, to health care to retail and tourism. [Please send feedback on this item] *Wings Air Rescue gave a presentation on their ability to help the area with emergency air transport. A single trip in an Wings Air Rescue helicopter costs about $25,000 and out of pocket after insurance if about $12,000. If each family in the county were to purchase air rescue insurance (which is different than health insurance) it would cost about $65 per year, with a monthly option of $6 per month (or $72 per year. Wings Air Rescue has made an offer to the county that for $169,469 per year it would offset the price for citizens dramatically. Those with insurance would have to pay little of nothing for the service if needed and those with no insurance would be charged at the medicaid rate which would be far less than trying to pay it on your own. [Please let me know what your thoughts are on this proposal?] *Mountain States Health Alliance was present to ask the Board of Supervisors for a Resolution to ask the General Assembly to move ahead and start Medicaid Expansion in Virginia. I was extremely vocal about this, not because I could not see Mountain States quandary entangled within the Affordable Care Law. I fully understand this is now the Law of the Land as they say but it seems like only what they want of it so far is actual law. What I do understand is it was said every American would be covered under the Affordable Care Law for less cost. If this were true, then why do we need Medicaid Expansion to get people covered. Several think this is free money that can be gotten from the Federal Government for the States to pay out for Medicaid Expansion. As with all :free money it is not free, no matter the level of government it comes from it is all taxpayer money and with this being said, the tax payers would be on the hook for Medicaid Expansion. Not that I would want to deny anyone any coverage, but I see it as my job to look out for the citizens of Smyth County and their tax dollars. The vote went 5-2 to accept the Resolution, so it will be signed and sent to the State Legislature. *There were question about insurance issues with the Library Board as it appears the employee cost of insurance has increased in the library itself by about 70%. This matter was referred to the Budget Committee and then possibility to the insurance committee for further investigation. *There were committee recommendations from the Budget Committee for transfer of funds from one line item to another which passed 7-0. Ordinance Committee gave an update on the last meeting and will meet again today (03/12/2014 at 4:00), to further discuss the Proposed Smyth County Stormwater Management and Erosion & Sediment Control Ordinance. The Courthouse Committee update consisted of an update on the cost of the roof of the Courthouse (with dome) will cost 13,796,000.00. This committee recommendation passed 6-1. *There was one appointment made to the Social Services Board and a request for Mr. Carter to appoint a staff member to the UTRR Board of Directors. *The Board of Supervisors was formerly introduced to Lori Hester - The New Director of Economics & Development for Smyth County. Lori seems very knowledgeable and enthusiastic and has hit the road running. I think she will be a welcome addition to the county family.
Posted on: Wed, 12 Mar 2014 06:31:45 +0000
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